Hellboy Web of Wyrd presents a new adventure developed in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics and creator Mike Mignola. A B.P.R.D agent has gone missing during a mission within the alternate dimension of Wyrd, prompting Hellboy to embark on a search and rescue operation. This sets the stage for a unique and engaging experience. Missions originate from the enigmatic Butterfly House, constructed in 1962 by Pasquale Deneveaux, which serves not merely as a residence, but as a gateway to a multitude of fascinating and explorable worlds.
My introduction to Hellboy occurred nearly 20 years ago, with the release of the initial trailer for Guillermo Del Toro’s 2004 film. While initial impressions were mixed, the completed film thoroughly captivated me, drawing me into the Hellboy universe. Currently, there are three cinematic adaptations of the character, with another installment in development. This upcoming film represents yet another reboot of the franchise, featuring a new director and actor in the titular role. A potentially intriguing aspect is its setting in the 1950s. Ron Perlman, the original Hellboy actor, has expressed interest in reprising the role to complete a trilogy, but the current trend leans toward continued remakes.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd effectively captures the visual aesthetic of Mike Mignola’s comic book series. The distinct angular style, accentuated by bold ink strokes, lends the game a unique visual identity. However, the visual execution is not without its flaws; shadows and puddles, for instance, exhibit a similar appearance, causing reflections to resemble unintended voids in the environment. Furthermore, graphical anomalies manifest as buildings and other objects appearing abruptly at specific distances. The game mechanics also present certain issues, with Hellboy’s movement feeling unusually sluggish. Combat encounters are hampered by slow attack animations, and reloading the firearm proves to be a time-consuming process, often slower than acquiring a replacement.
Fortunately, these issues are mitigated as the game progresses. As players unlock new abilities and upgrades, Hellboy’s movement speed gradually increases to a more acceptable pace. Nevertheless, the initial sluggishness can be frustrating and detract from the overall experience.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd successfully incorporates Mike Mignola’s signature quirky humor, and Hellboy remains a compelling character. While the missions may exhibit some repetition, the narrative provides a varied story with unexpected developments. Exploring the secrets of the Butterfly House constitutes a significant portion of the gameplay experience. Lance Reddick (John Wick films), who sadly passed away this year (1962-2023), delivers a commendable performance as Hellboy, effectively capturing both the character’s humor and toughness.
In conclusion, Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a recommended title due to its unique qualities, and the initial gameplay mechanics improve over time. For fans of Mike Mignola’s work, this game is a worthwhile addition to their collection. The affordable price point and availability across multiple platforms further enhance its appeal.
Good Shepherd Entertainment provided a review code for this evaluation. Provision of material does not influence editorial objectivity.
